Evening Star Newspaper, December 18, 1897, Page 1

THE EVENING STAR. gee PUBLISHED DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAY. AT THE STAR BUILDINGS, 3101 Pennsylvania Avenue, Cor. 11th 8t., by i Co: The Brening Sora Pret New York Office, 49 Potter Building. ‘The Star is served to sulacribers in the eft votes ‘oa their own account. at 10 ecnts per week, or a4 cents per montk. ies at the counter 2 cents each. By mail—anywhere in the Ebited Staten or Cenada—postage prepald—60 crate mont peaterday Guincaple, Sheet Etar. $1 per year, with loreizn tage added, 5 (Entered at the Post Office at Washington, D. o., as secend-class matl matter.) ©All mail sutecriptions must be paid in advance. Rates of advertising made Known on application. Che Fvening Star. No. 13,978. WASHINGTON, D. ©. SATUR DAY, DEGEMBER 18, 1897—TWEN TY-SIX PAGES. TWO CENTS. If you want to buy, sell or exchange anything, lease property or rent rooms, want a situation or want help, it will pay you to announce the fact in the advertising columns of The Star. They are closely studied by more than three times as many people as read any other paper. RAILROAD EXTENSION Action of Mount Pleasant Citizens’ Committee on Pending Bills, PROPOSED CAPITAL TRACTION LOOP Views Expressed in Regard to the Metropolitan Railroad Bill. RAPID TRANSIT fACILITIES At a meeting last evening of the railroad committee of the Mount Pleasant Citizens’ Association it was unanimously decided to indorse the portion of a bill recently intro- duced in Corgress granting authority to the Capital Traction Railway Company to build an extension of its line from the present terminus on 1ith street extended through Mount Pleasant. This js what 1s known as the loop. The proposition em- bodied in the bill, that has also been re- cently intreduced in Congress, to give tne Metropolitan railroad authority to make certain exte* sions was also considered as far as it related to the territory within the limits of the association. One of the proposed extensions for the Metropelitan road is to provide what will practically be a continuation of the 9th street line along 13th street extended. From 13th and Lydecker streets it is proposed to extend a line along Lydecker street to Hol- mead avenue, thence west through the Mattingly tract and thence west on How- ard avenue to the Piney Branch road or 16th street extended. In the language of the act this extension from 13th and Ly- decker streetsyis to be built “in six months from the opening snd the grading of the streets through the Mattingly tract.” Proposed Metropolitan Extension. It was the unanimous opinion of the com- mittee that as there was great uncertainty when streets would be extended through the Mattingly tract that the street rail- Toad facilities now greatly needed by the residents of Mount Pleasant could not rea- sonably be expecied from this source in the near future. It was therefore decided not to Indorse this p'an. There is another extension, however. Which it is proposed for the Metropolitan read. and that is the one from the present terminus at 18th street and Columbia road out ISth street to Howard avenue. The committee decided to approve this propos: extension. It is the in ion to call a ciai meeting of the association on Tuesday evening of next week, when the report of the committee will be considered. The Mt. Pleasant Loop. In the course of the distussion over the Proposed extension of the Capital Traction road, the opinion was expressed that tnis was really the best proposition that hai ever been made in the interests of Mount Pleasant and the vicinity. As is well known, if this extension or loop is granted the cars that will run out 14th street when the new system is in operation will continue past the present terminus of the road at ith and Park streets, along 14th street by single track to Howard avenue, thence westerly along Howard avenue to 17th street extended, thence south on 17th street to Park street, thence easterly on Park street to 11th street again. It stated that officials of the com- pany had said that if authority was se- cured that the extension would be built and cars would be running within thirty days after the passage of the bill. The plan is to make a continuous run of the 14th street cars over the line of the proposed loop, and when they return on the trip south a stop for a short time will be made in front of the present car house on 14th street. so as to enable conductors to get tickets and change. On a Trank Line. The section of the road through Mount Pleasant, according to this plan, will form a continuous part of this system, which goes not only to the business center of the city, but practically to all parts of the city. It is believed by the members of the committee, and they will so report at the meeting of the association, that this pro- posed 14th street loop of the Capital Trac- tion railway will afford the residents of that locality all the advantages which come from a close proximity to one of the main street railway lines of the city. re DISTRICT IN CONGRESS. Bill to Organize a Local Naval Re- serve Reported. Mr. Hale, chairman of the committee on naval affairs, today reported a bill to the Senate to provide for organizing a naval battaiion in the District of Columbia. This is the measure referred to at lergth in The Star yesterday. The measure was Senate bill 1316, and as reported is amended to meet the views of Mr. McAdoo, to whom It Was referred while he was assistant secre- tary of the navy. In addition to officers Provided in the original bill, provision is made for a navigating officer, one signal, ordnance and equipment officer, each with the rank of lieutenant. The adjutant and assistant engineer included im the original bill are stricken out. The bill provides that the battalion shall contain net less than sixty nor more than 1 petty officers and enlisted mea. Mr. Wellington of Maryland introduced in the Senate a bill appropriating $800 to be paid James 3. Crawford, formerly chief clerk of the office of foreign mails of the Post Office Department, that amount being claimed as unpaid salary. Mr. McMillan introduced in the Senate a bill, recommended by the Commissioners, to secure uniformity in the names of streets and roads in the District of Columbia. Also a bill prepared by the Historical So- ciety of the District of Columbia for the same purpose, being similar to the meas- ure prepared by them and introduced by Mr. McMillan in the last Congress. Mr. McMillan also introduced in the Sen- ate a bill authorizing the Capital Tracti uy Company te extend its tracks on Florida avenue from its present terminus at 7th street to North Capitol street, and to run cars thereon operated by the underground electric ‘stem. The bill requires the building of this extension within one year from the passage of the act. ‘T FIRE AT MELBOURNE. GR Damage Fstimat Wareho District. SAN FRANCISCO, Cal. December 18.— ‘The great fire in Melbourne on the morn- ing of November 22 was far more destruc- tiye than was Indicated in the brief cable report of the disaster. Mail advices brcught by the steamer Moana state that the emUre district, comprising the great warehouse emporium of Victoria, was gut- ted und reduced to a mass of tottering ruins. The total amount of damage done is estifpated at $7,500,000. About 1,000 regular employes engaged in the soft goods werehouses were thrown out of work for scme time at least, and about 1,000 hands employ@i in the clothing fectories and in other places will also suf- fer seve struction: of saw: material. E Tne theory of lightning has been advanc- ed to acccunt for the origin of the fire. at $7,500,000 tn rely for @ time, owing to the de- ANTIS GROWING BOLDER Opponents of Senator Hanna Give Evidence of Confidence. Alleged Interview Between Kurtz 8 Treach- Dick. ud McLean Denounced by ery, Major Special Dispatch to The Evening Star. CLEVELAND, Ohio, December 18.—The boldness of the anti-Hanna movement in Ohio is growing as the meeting of the legis- lature draws near. The report that Chartes Kurtz, the leader of the movement, had been in conference with John R. McLean in Washington is regarded by Maj. Dick as an evidence of the perfidy of Mr. Kurtz. The friends of Mr. Hanna are now declar- ing that the treachery of Kurtz is proved beyond a doubt, and that the result would be that the loyal republicans would rally to the support of Mr. Hanna. Indeed, so de- lighted were they over the fact that Kurtz's alleged visit had been made public that they fell to discussing Kurtz’s action dur- ing the campaign, and it was said that then he was very often in conference with Mc- Lean in Cincinnati. Mr. Hanna’s friends still profess to be satisfied with the outlook, and declare that they do not fear the outcome. The three anti-Hanna members of the legislature from this county held a con- ference with Mr. Kurtz at Columbus last night. When they left Cleveland yester- day they made no secret of their intentions of postiag themselves upon the latest plans of their leader. When they left yesterday they had not pledged themselves to the cause of the opposition, but if they are satisfied that Kurtz can win the fight they will enroll themselves with him, otherwise they will vote for Senator Hanna. They know that opposition to Mr. Hanna and defeat in the bargain means political sui- cide. It is more than likely that the price of their votes will be that Mason shall be made speaker of the house and that Burke shall be elected vice president of the senate. Beyond a doubt the deal between the Fora- ker faction and the democrats includes th defeat of all of Mr. Hanna’s candidat<s for office in the organization of the two houses, and the election of these men would be the logical result. * ———— TRAMP HAS HIS PANTS. Now Mr. Acklan Sues Mr. Crocker for Their Value. Special Dispatch to The Evening Star. CLEVELAND, Ohio, December 18.—Will- iam Hays Acklan of Washington has placed a smail claim in the hands of his attorneys here against Mr. T. D. Crocker, at one time one of the wealthiest men in Cleveland and the former father-in-law of Mr. Acklan. When Mr. Ackian married Miss Crocker, less than two years ago, he left in Cleve- lend, before their European bridal tour, a suit of clothes at the Crocker mansion on Buclid avenue. Six months ago Mrs. Ack- lan received a divorce at Wilmington, Del. In the meantime Mr. Acklan wrote to the Crockers asking that the suit of clothes be sent to nim. They had given the garments to a tramp, and of course could not comply with Mr. Acklan’s request. Mr. Ackian has put the matter in the hands of Attorne: Ladaen & Parks, and soon the Acklans and the Crockers will engage in the fray once more, that is, they will if the case is not settled. =e SS OPPOSE HAWAIIAN ANNEXATION, Beet Sugar Growers Claim It Will Injure Their Business. AMES, Neb., December 18.—The American Sugar Growers’ Society has prepared a pe- tition to Congress begging that body not to be too hasty in taking action on the question of annexing the Sandwich Islands. It has issued a manitesto in which it pro- claims to the country that the annexation will seriously cripple, if not utterly ruin, the rapidly increasing industry of sugar beet growing. ‘This manifesto declares that the Ameri- can farmer cannot grow beets in competi- tion with Hawaiian planters who use coolie labor at $8 a month and food. The American farmer, says the manifesto, de- ands that the islands be not annexed. ith coolie competition out, the American farmer can harvest $10,000,000 worth of sugar heretofore imported. The petition is signed by the president, vice president, secretary and treasurer of the American Sugar Growers’ Society. a TO REGULATE PRICE OF WOOL. Big Combination of Western Manu- facturers of Woolen Goods. COLUMBUS, Ohio, Dec. 18—The woolen goods manufacturers of the states of Illi- nois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia formed an association heré yester- day, with the following officers: President, P. H. Bruck, Columbus; vice president, J. E. Claypool, Worthington, Pa.; secretary, B. D. Nightingale, Defiance, Ohio; treas- urer, C. L. Clark, Columbus. it is the intention of the members to pro- tect themselves by an agreement as to the price to be paid for raw material, rather than to regulate the price of their product, and a resolution governing purchases was adopted, but not made public. —> MACHINERY MAKERS’ TRUST. Giant Corporation Incorporated Un- der Laws of New Jersey. NEW YORK, December 18.—Wood-work- ing machinery manufacturers of the United States have organized and will im- ccrporate under the laws of New Jerscy the American Wood-working Machine Com- pany. The officers are: President, William Duryea of New York; first vice president, A. D. Hermance of Williamsport, Pa.; sec- on@ vice president, Henry C. Baker of Philadelphia; treasurer, R. W. Perkins of ‘Norwich, Conn.; secretary, Frank W. Dur- yea of New York city. The capital stock of the corporation is $4,000,000, divided into 20,000 shares of preferred stock, the latter to bear 7 per cent interest. ——_——. BANKS AND BANKING. Mr. Serven Approves of Public School Savings Banks. A. R. Serven, chief examiner of the civil service commission, and lately of the office of the controller of the currency, lec- tured before a large audience last evening at» the Eckington Presbyterian Church on “Banks and Banking.” Mr, Serven explained the various classes of banking institutions and their methods of doing business, and approved the estab- lishment of postal savings banks and of public school banks. The latter class of institutions, he said, have proved highly successful in New York state in encour- sging thrift among children. —_—_—_-o—____ CONTAMINATION OF THE POTOMAC, Representative Hepburn Introduces a Bill Providing for an Investigation. Representative Hepburn of. Iowa, chair- man of the committee om foreign and inter- staees pases » has introduced a@ bill in couse at orizin: n the aa ig "*the surgeon ggneral of the mai ital service to I~ gate the causes of ‘con of Po- tomac river water, and to ray AUTONOMY’S PHASES | A Political and Military as Well as an Economic Basis. SAVING THE COUNTRY’S LABOR Small Farmers and Tradespeople Will Give the Reforms a Chance. LOOKING TO THE FUTURE (conient, 1897, by Chas. M. Pepper.) Special Correspondence of The Evening Star. GUINES, Cuba, December 12, 1897. Autonomy in the country districts of Cuba has several phases.~There is a po- litical and a military side to it as well as an economic basis. The basis must be found in saving the labor that the remain- ing country people, the soil tillers, are able to give. A previous letter has shown their condition and their needs. Sustain the life that is in them till it becomes stronger and they will be something on which to build political systems. This is as true of auton- omy as it would be of independence. The Pressing question is of the labor that is capable of exertion in the present and the immediate future—not the future when the United States may again be turning over the question of intervention. That is too far off. To the stranger's eye Guines is even now agarden. The buildings destroyed by the in- surgents when they carried out their prom- ise of celebrating President McKinley's in- auguration by raiding the town are still in ruins. The -wider path of destruction which Weyler cut in clearing the country so the troops could command it from the foris causes a gap in the landscape which has not been closed. But the aspect of the whole country is so green and rich and re- freshing that these blotches are scarcely noticed. The canefields stretch away to the hills. In the distance their leanness is not perceived. The lands which are given over to the vegetables seem freshly .carpeted with verdure. These truck gardens, as they would be called in the states, I am told, have labor enough to handle thelr pro- ducts. [t is for a peculiar reason. The erep is small. One-half the usual amount? No. One-quarter? No. A fifth? Possibly, but more likely an eighth. Once th's gar- den product was enough to supply the &reater part of the island. This season the stuff is needed where it is produced. Prob- ably the tobacco also can be handled be- Ci ihe crop is not large, although com- petition already exists with the sugar plan- tations which are trying to draw labor from the tobacco fields. The Surrounding Country. Four sugar plantations can be seen from the roof of the city hall in Guines. The mills have not been burned during the in- surrection. They are ready to grind and the cane is ready for cutting. The esti- mates are for one-fourth of an average crop. Can the arms be found to handle it? The planters are finding some labor. One plantation is reported to have had great good fortune in getting together 263 labor- ers. Others have a fraction of what they need. All will have to draw on the recon- centradoes, and this is a d6ubtful contribu- tion to their wants. Sugar plantations call for strong frames and stout arms. A year of starvation may not kill, has not killed in every case, but it is not a good prepara- tion for hard labor. Of fifty or sixty recon- centradoes seen outside the hospitals here in Guines I do not think a dozen are capa- ble of sustaining a week's light labor in the field. In the morning I saw a hundred re- concentradoes drawn up at the little rail- way station of Guara. They were said to be “‘able-bodied."" In that gang of weak; ened and wasted frames there was not the labor capacity of: twenty ordinary men. And labor on the sugar plantations has to be calculated as a quantity and not by in- dividual units. ‘The scarcity of oxen, too, is a drawback. The oxen suffered under Weyler's policy as well as the human beings. Their de- struction was wanton. Cattle can be im- ported from the states for consumption, but this source cannot supply oxen for the fields. An ox today on any sugar planta- tion in Cuba is worth more than’® man. The deficiency is hard to supply. In the streets of this town are many ox carts rusty and falling to pieces from disuse. A good one was formerly worth $140. One was sold yesterday for $2. That is the way property has depreciated. It would fur- nish the political economists with a fine {l- lustration of the interdependent relations of values, commodities, demand and supply and so on through the whole chapter. Here it is simply an filustration of the void arti- ficially created between production and the ability to utilize that production. The dis- couraging prospects are not preventing the planters from going forward. They will cut and grind what cane they can and hope to find gradually improving conditions which will ultimately enable them to mar- ket the whole crop. If they succeed the rise in the value of ox carts will not be the only benefit that will come to this burdened community. Willing to Try Autonomy. As to autonomy. It has a chance of gaining the support of a portion of that class whose support is everywhere con- sidered valuable by government. The property owners of this neighborhood are not all Spaniards. Two of the sugar plantations are owned by Cubans. The ricest man in the town and the largest property owner is a Cuban. The owners of most of the small farms are Cubans, The majority of the tradespeople, as in Iuust_ towns, are Spaniards, yet the lat- ter do not monopolize trade. The culti- vators of the soll are Cubans. “The Span- fard works in the shade,” is. the bitter comment of the Cubans themselves when they discuss the labor conditions of the island. I do not know whether this is true or not as a rule of general applica- tion, but the work in the fields here is done largely by the Cubans. It was this patient and hardworking population that was sacrificed by Weyler’s decree. In spite of all they have suffered these people are willing to give autonomy a chance. They appear to have no vindictive- ‘ness. Notwithstanding the frightful abuses of civil administration in the past they are ready to attempt to carry on the gov- ernment in co-operation with the Spanish element. Their sympathy with the insur- rection is not active or aggressive. They do not apologize for it nor do they encour- age it. Cubans in this part of the island have been made to suffer, for when Blanco took power the prison was choked with “suspects.” While some have been re- leased the amnesty has not been general. the prison I found there were forty-f political prisoners who are held. No reason 1s given for not releasing them with the others. Their friends and relatives are hopeful and trustful enough to think the order will come soon. , Some changes have been made toward == every‘one of whom was a Spaniard.- Piaces have been found for five Cubans. In other ways there has also been an equalization of official respensibility. The Cubans ac- cept this in good faith. They will give their energies to developing the natural re- sources of their country and repairing the waste of its riches that Has been caused by the war. But they, too, know that if au- tonomy is to succeed the Spanish class must help. As a class the Spaniards of Guines are not doing it. They are fierce intransigentes, irreconcilable foes of colo- uial home rule. Their hostility is deeper and more intense than is shown By the Spanish element in Havana because it runs in a narrower channel. Their opposition is not vociferous. It is silent, sullen and de- termined. Having had an’ opportunity to observe this Spanish feeling, I can under- stand why the group of Cubans with whom I talked, atl of them men of standing, dis- cussed autonomy as though ft were a hope- less dream. Their sadness was depressing. They spoke. of the future as a blank. Said one of them: “If your country thinks it has the right to intervene why does it wait till all is gone from us? Why does it not say to Spain, to the insurgents in the field, to the jihta in New York, ‘this waste of life ‘and of Cuba’s resources shall stop.’"” Not Returned to the Farms. The matter of the recorcentradoes be- comes tedious, but it cannot be ignored in striving to reach the exact situation as to the material upbuilding of the island. I do not intend to describe further wretched- ness or disease or guffering. It is only with reference to the part of the military authorities in carrying out the plans of the government that a word is necessary about this unfortunate class. Part of the program of autonomy was to relieve the reconcentradoes by extending the zones of cultivation. General Blanco's order revoking Weyler’s concentration de- cree was specifically directed to this end. Alluring pictures were drawn of the coun- try people. They would go back to the soll. Their “‘bahios’’ or palm huts would again cover the land. They would be sup- plied with the means of planting seed in the fruitful earthYwhich in sixty days would yield them sustenance. The picture remains if the imagination. The reality does not exist. In a fairly thorough quest over the stretch of country between Ha- vana and Guines, I have not been able to find the people restored to the spots which Were once their homes. The new bahios, so easily put together, have not sprung up like gourds. Where the poles were left standing like bird cages, the cages re- main uathatched. Where the ruins were, ruins remain. \ It may be said that the practical ex- termination of the country people has left no one to go back to the farms and re- build the huts. Of some localities this is substantially trie, Therg are no concen= tradoes to go out from the camp at Jaruco, near Havana, because they are all dead. Of Guines, with its reeord of 7,000) deaths, almost the same thing might be said. But other towns, Madmiga, San Nicolas, San Felipe, in spite of the heavy mortality they have suffered, could furnish concentradoes to go back to the country. The execution of this policy devolves on the military commanders. With a few honorable exceptions, they are not executing it. They distribute ra- tions to the concentradges, and that is the limit of their exertions.“ In some cases they interpoye hindrances to the efforts of pri- vate individuels. Commonly they show what might be called a passive disobedi- ence to the captain general's orders. They carnot be disciplined because it is passive. I have heard Spanish officers deplore the haste with vy hich Weyler's decree was car- ried out and the severity with which it was enforced, yet they justity’ |t as @ military measure, They hold that to weaken the in- Surgents afid 19 weep their districts pacified the country cutside-¢f ‘certain dimits must be Irept barren and the eountry people re- strained close to the fortifietl towns. Their | attitude conflicts with the position of the authorities, but the paweét of the captain does not seem strong enough to it. @HARLES M. PEPPER. — + -—. STREET, NOMENCLATURE change Measure Proposed by Commissioners to Cor- tect Defects/in the System. The Commissioners ‘have transmitted to the chairmen of the two District commit- tees in Congress the draft of a bill drawn by them for the purpose of securing uni- formuty in the nomenclature of the stree| of the city of Washington and its suburbs. The first section of the bill, after refe ring to the great lack.of such uniformity and the great desirability of having a better scheme, authorizes the Commission- ers to perfect such a #ystem. The second section provides that Whenever repetitions appear in the names cof the streets, ave- nues, alleys, courts, places or roads in the city new names shall be given to thor- oughfares bearing such repeated names, and wherever the lines of any street or Streets so nearly coincide in alignment as to form practically a continuous thor- oughfare, only. Section three provides that .all minor streets, Avenues, alleys, courts or places in the city and its suburbs bearing ob- Jectionable names or names lacking in euphony shall be giyen new and appro- priate appellations, The fourth section says.that wherever an established urban street or avenue is on a continuous line with any street or avenue of any suburban subdivision, the name of such urban street or avenue shall also be given to the extended part of such thor- oughfare. In the fifth section it is provided that in any subdivision of property within the District hereafter cuthorized the names of the streets, avenues and alleys embraced therein shall be degignated by the District Commnissioners. — * Section six is to the effect that every country road in the District outside the city of Washington and its suburbs shall be given an appropriate name, and at every crossing or junction of said roads there shall be placed a guide board, bearing their names in large letters and its distance from the Capitol. 4 dl The last section of the Bill, the seventh provides that in the sgstem of nomencl: ture herein provided for tha names of dis- tinguished Americans shall be preferred; My e na vin: rsons: ‘shall not be used. ; ? roe the whole shall bear one name TAKEN AS A. MENACE. + Presence of jwadren in the Gulf Alarnjs Spanish. MADRID, Decespber18,—The Imparcial in an article on thé United States Congress ‘ea: : fter the insults ang calugnies against Spain, our excellent almost, protector and friend McKinley, as egmpengation, is go- ing to send a squadron to the.Gulf of Mex- ico, @ measure never 0 ugnecessary as now, since Cuba ;has_a captain general whose policy is just apd humane. Spain has just made great concessions to Cuba. This !g because the Yankees are seeking to justify the policy of the insurgents, who baze thelr hopes on the intervention of their friends. AT THE WHITE HOUSE A Batch of Nominations Sent to the Senate. THREE ILLINOIS MEN SELECTED Representative Johnson After a Veto of the Sealing Bill. ge, THE DISTRICT OFFICES eee The President today sent the following nominations to the Senate: Treasury. William P. Williams of Illinois, assistant treasurer of the Uni Chicago, Ill; William Penn Nixon of Il- nois, to be collector of customs for the district of Chicago, UL; Archibald A. Young of Indiana, to be surveyor of cus- toms for the port of Indianapolis, Ind.; Henry C. Grenner cf Missouri, to be col- lector of internal revenue for the first dis- trict of Missouri; John H. Walkenhorst of Missouri, to be appraiser of merchan- dise at the port of Saint Louis, Mo.; John L. Hodges of Colerado, to be assayer in charge of the mint of the United States at Denver; Joseph Spear, jr., of California, to be surveyor of customs in the district of San Francisco, Cal. Justice. John C. Ame3.of Illinois, to be marshal of the United States for the northern dis- trict of Ilinofs; Frank W. Parker of New Mexico and John R. McFie of New Mexico, to be associate justices of the supreme court of the territory of New Mexico; James L. Martin of Vermont, to be attor- ney of the United States for the district of Vermont; Isaac W. Dyer of Maine, to be attorney of the United States for the aistrict of Maine. State. George L. Darte of Pennsylvania, consul at Martinique, West Indies. Postmaster—Lorenzo F. Watson at Wat- seka, Ill. Mr. William P. Williams had the sup- port of Secretary Gage in his candidacy and also of all the bankers of Chicago. He is secretary of the Union League Club, and was an original supporter of Major Mc- Kinley. Wm, Penn Nixon has been identified with the Chicago Inter-Ocean as editor and part owner for many years, running back be- yond 1880, when he was a supporter of General Grant for the third term nomina- tion. There were no opposing candidates for the office, Senator Cullom having asked for the appointment for Mr. Nixon soon after the election of President Mcisinley. A Basy Day for the President. In getting ready the batch of nominations which went to the Senate today and in receiving and talking with a large number of efficial callers the President had a busy day. Representative Johnsor. of North Dakota had em important talk with him. Mr. Johnson asked the President to veto the bill which passed a few days ago prohibit- ing peiagic seating by citizens of the United States. in making this request Mr. John- son submitted the letters which passed be- tween ex-Secretary Foster and Sir Wilfria Laurier, indicating that the negotiations between the United States and Canada for the suppression of seaung have been a fail- ure. Mr, Johnson went on to say that the object of the passage of the bill was to facilitate negotiations between Canada and uus country. That object was now frus- trated. Mr. Johnson made a strong pre- sentation of the case. The President as- sured him that he would give the matter consideration. The Kansas City Collectorship. A large delegation of Missourians con- sulted with the President today about the internal revenue collectorship of the Kansas City district. This is the collectorship over which a hot fight has been waging. The ‘gation was composed of Webster Davis, assistant secretary of the interior; National Committeean Kerens, ex-Representatives Wade and Tracey and J. L. Minnis. They were accompanied by F. E. Kellogg, the candidat2 of the delegation for the coules orship. Mr. Kerens and Mr. Davis are con- lident that Mr. Kellogg will receive the nomination. There would have been no questien about this from the beginning but for the oppcsition of Major Warner, wno has a candidate, and who taiked with tne President some time ago. Senator Mason was a caller. All of the Chicago nominations were agreed upon by Senators Mason and Cullom and there is no Iriction regarding any of them. The Virginia factions are again trying to get sore satisfaction about nominations. Representatives Walker and Yoet saw tne President today regarding the marshalship of the western district of the state. ‘These two representatives are supporting Col. Henry Bowen for the marshaiship, while Col. Brady, Judge Waddill and others are supporting Brown Allen, who is also said to kave the support of Serator Hanna. ‘ne President has reached no decision. The district attorneyship of the same district kas been ready to fill for three months, the term of Mr. Montague, the new attorney general of the state, having expired that lcng ago. He was temporarily reappointed, but now gives up the position. Representative Northway of Ohio wants to secure the appointment of William T. Fee to a consulship, and talked with the President about his desires. Mr. Fee will et a place. = E Ohio Men Call. Senator Hanna was at the White House teday with State Senator Dodge, repub- lican, of Cuyahoga county. Mr. Dodge had some matters he wanted to talk over with the President. Mr. Dodge says that he is satisfied Senator Hanna will be easily re- elected by the legislature. He does not be- lieve the latest story from Cincinnati that three republican members from that city have come out against the senstor. All three of the men named told him, he says, that they would vote for Mr. Hanna. Secretary Sherman went to the White House with Colonel Parsons of Ohio. Colonel Parsons is a warm friend of the President. He wanted to see the President about the nomination of a friend. Ex-Rep- resentative Watson of Ohio was also a vis- itor from the buckeye state. He has been talked of for some time as a candidate for some good place, but nobody has been able to ascertain whether he wants a place. Senators Lodge, Fairbanks, McMillan, Perkins and Allison and Representatives Cousins, C. W. Stone, Seplncetaieeee AS Hawley and Dingley were among » off- cial calltrs who saw the President on busi- ness. No Local Nominations Yet. ‘The President will make no nominations to fill District offices until Congress re- aisembles. During the recess, whén the THEY WILL BE EXEMPTED Positions to Be Taken From the Classified Service, Action That Will Probably Be Taken by the President During the Holi- day Recess of Congress. In all probability before Congress gets through its holiday recess the President will take action in regard to the civil serv- ice rules, and by so doing forestall and Prevent any more radical change by Con- gress. The President, it is asserted, con- templates such a step, and the first offices to be affected will be the deputy collectors of internal revenue. It is now clear that the President and his advisers have been considering for some time a modification of the famous blanket order, by which President Cleveland placed 43,000 offices in the classified list of the civil service. Since Congress has been in session the fight against the civil service law has been so persistent and strong that many of the republican senators, Knowing the Presideit’s inclinaticn in this matter, have advised him to act immediately in the matter to prevent any serious modification of the law by Congress. It is now stated that the President will be- fore Congress meets again issue new rules in regard to the civil service law, removing from the classified list all bonded off cials, such as deputy collectors of cu: toms, deputy collectors of internal re nue, deputy marshals, assistant district attorneys, assistanf subtreasurers and, pe haps, executive chiefs of bureaus and de- partments. It is well known that the members of the cabine: favor such a modification, and have urged that it be done. This will not affect the civil service in regard to clerks or otner officials, for which the civil service law was originally intended. It will have an effect of allowing the cabinet officers and chiefs of the various departments to select their own assistants, and to carry out the po.cy of the administration, and at the same time protecting clerks and other officers, and remove the latter from political infiuence. The change contemplated will affect several thousand officers, not only in Washington, but all over the country, and aiready hints as to the order have been given and prep- arations made as to the changes. The attitude of the President on the civil service was described as follows by him in his recent n-essage to Congress: “Much of course still remains to be ac- complished before the system can be made reasonably perfect for our needs. There are places new in the classified service which ought to be exempted and others not classified may properly be included. I shall not hesitate to exempt cases which I think have been improperly included in the classi- fied service or include those which in my judgment will best promote the public sery- ice. The system has the approvai of the people and it will be my endeavor to up- hold and extend it.” Framing a BI. The republican members of the Heuse who are framing a bill to reform the civil service law have not yet got together to draft their measure. Chairman Hepburn of the special committee having the mat- ter in charge says he expects the bill to be matured soon after the holiday recess closes. Thus far,.hcwever, he and his as- sociates on the special committee have not discussed the fcrm that the reform meas- ure.is to take. Representative Tawney, who is chairman of the commitice to look up evidence on the maladministration of the present law, is making an elaborate collection of the material calculated to show defects in the law and its enforce- ment. He will supplement this with a careful review of the law in the case, the purpose being to show that the original law never contemplated the wide applica- tion which it is given, and that the powers exercised by the civil service commission are supported crly by usage and not by law. Mr. Tawney. says the powers exer- cised by the commission have stood mecely because they were not contested by any legal process which would secure a strict adherence to the law. ——_—_-e-.__ WILL OPPOSE CONFIRMATION. Senator Teller Criticises Mr. Bryan’s Qualifications. In reply to « question, Senator Teller said today that he would oppose the ¢ firmation of the nceminaticn of Mr, Charles Page Bryan to be minister to China. “i have,” he said, “known Mr. Bryan for many years, as he was formerly a resident ot Colorade, and my persenal relations with him have always been amicable. My opposition to his confirmation is based solely upen the ground that he has had no cxperience or training that would justify this government in selecting im tor the most important mission we have at the present time. it cannot be doubted that certain Europ2an countries intend, if they can possibly find an excuse for so doing, to dismember China and divide up that great territory between them. 1 do not believe that such a high-handed outrage should be perpetrated, and if it is attempi- ed I think that other self-respecting na- tions not engaged in the division of the speils should enter a very vigorous pro- test. This attempt at the dismemberment of China will in all likelihood give rise to a serious and complicated diplomatic con- troversy, in which this country will be in- velved. It is hardly to be supposed that under the circumstances we would be un ceneerned spectators of such procesdings. Fer this reason we should have in China one of the ablest and most experienced of public men. The mission to England. France cr Russia is at this time of less importance than is the Chinese mission. My oppcsition to Mr. Bryan grows out of the recognized necessity of having a strong man: at this important post, and I do not believe that the friends of Mr. Bryan will contend that he meets these requirements.” The opposition to Mr. Bryan, though very determined, appears to be confined to a few senators, and it is not believed that it will be successful. It is not based on grounds that can be supported by tangible charg»s, the only question raised being that of whether he is stromg enough and posgessi:.g sufficient experience. The mat- ter of experience is, of course, plain enough, but it is a difficult proposition to measure a man’s ability. The impression seems to be that the objections to him are too vague to defeat the appointment. The question of Mr. Bryan’s ability and fitness for the’ pceition was naturally considered by the President in making the selection, and the suggestion on the part of a few that a more experienced man might have been chosen would certainly not ordinarily have much Jweight in the matter of confirmation where the President persists in the selection. Mr. Bryan was at the White House for a shcrt time today. —_-o-____ GOING TO DAWSON. cP. Newspaper Syndicate to Send an Ex- ; pedition to Dawson. Secretary Alger received a telegram from Mr. Edger B. Piper, at Seaitle, Wash., this morning, saying: CAUGHT IN THE ACT Mrs. histo Hnauals Wales Arrest for Shoplifting. pea REASON FOR HER CONDUCT GIVES NO Search of Her House Discloses Stolen Goods Worth $100. THE ARTICLES IDENTIFIED Mrs. Annie Henault was detected yester- day afternoon, about 5 o'clock, in the act of shoplifting in the Beston House. She was seen to take some articles by Mr. Trainor, one of the floor walkers, and he detained her until the arrival of Detective Muller. The woman admitted her guilt, and said she could give no reason for her conduct. Upon searching her at the first precinct police statien, Miss Pennifiil, the matron, found about $20 worth of stolen property concealed under Mrs. Henault’s clothing. Later her houre, at No. 123 M street south- west, was seerched, and nearly $100 worth of goods were found. The prisoner is the wife of Robert E. He- nault, a clerk in Edmonston’s shoe store, on F street, and his wife's arrest was a severe shock to him. He went with the officers last night when they searched his house, and rendered them all the assistance he could. The finding of the valuable articles, Secreted in burcau drawers and other places ia the hi was a complete sur- prise to him. Mrs. Henault was never arrested before, £0 far as the police know, and although she eppears to be a novice in the shoplifting business, shc was supplied with one of the false pockets such as professional shop- lifters use when they visit stores to make big hauis. In this pocket the police matron found five silver knives, a number of handker- chiefs and ti and some stockings. This pocket or bag was worn under the skirt, and fastened about the waist. It ts large enough to hold a bolt of silk, besides other articles, yet even when well filled it would not attract special attention. Mrs. Henault was detained in the office of the Boston House until the detective reached there and took charge of her. On her way to the police station she tried to rid herself of some of the plunder, but did not succeed. Tearful Regrets. “I don’t know what made me do this,” sobbed the ttle woman. “I didn't have to do it.” Detective “Muller waited at the station until the woman was searched. While her appearance almost convinced him that she was not a professional, the finding of the tell-tale pocket made it ap that she had been in the business fore. He thereupon determined he would search her house, but it was nearly midnight before he reached there with Detective Baur and the woman's husband. "Phe first drawer opened reve ber of ostrich feathers and feathers of cheaper variety. There was also a quan- tity of other articles intended for hat trim- ear 2 num- mings. When the search was completed the officers had, besides the feathers und tim- mings, several pieces of lace, # 1 of silk ribbon, silver mounted comb and brush, silver mounted c'othes brush, handkerchiefs, bureau scarfs, deylies, stockings, a pair of fane: ers, shaving brush, pipe and other articles. The goods were all taken to police heasdavarters, where some of them were identitied as the property of the Boston House and others as the prop- erty of the P: Royal. ‘The ostrich feathers were identified as having been aken from Kann’ ARMY AND NAVY. Leaves, 6 sonal N The following transfers are made Sth Cavalry: First Lieut. De Ra: bell, from ‘Troop G to Trocp A; First Lieut. George McK. Williamson, from Troop A to Troop G. Whe leave of absence granted Capt. Wal- ter S. Scott is extended. one month. Lieut. George H. Peters is here on a leave of absence. He is at 1354 Columbia avenue. Assistant Naval Constructor W. Pierce Robert is in the city on his way to the Norfolk navy yard, where he has been or- dered for duty. Assistant Constructor J. Gaines Roberts registered at the Navy Department today. He is at the Ebbit: on leave. The gunboat Helena left Brooklyn y terday for Bermudas on her way to Chi ‘Lhe cruiser Boston arrived at Chemulpo, Corea, today. The gunboat Marietta ts at San Francisco. First Lieut. C. A. F, Flagler of the En- gineer Corps is in the city on leave of ab- sence. He is visiting his parents at 214¢ California avenue. ON THE ASIAT! Transfers, ers and Per- te in the STATION. Our Naval Strength There Increased. In order to strengthen the United States naval forces on the Asiatic station, which bids fair to be the scene of important events in the near future, the Secretary of the Navy has detached the cruiser Raleigh from the European and ordered that she proceed at once to the Asiatic station. The Raleigh is now at Smyrna, and it will take her about seven weeks to make the dis- tance of 7,000 miles to China. The vessels now on that station are the flagship Olym- pia, the cruisers Boston and Monocacy and the small gunboat Petrel. The gunboat Helena has started from New York for China, but she will make a leisurely cruise, and will hardly reach there for nine or ten months. The gunboats Concord and Mari- etta are fitting out at San Francisco for service on (he Chinese station, but they will not start for several weeks. Secretary Long says the reinforcement of the Chinese fiect has no significance beyond a desire to maintain a respectable show of force in that section of the globe, im ac- cordance with the policy adopted at the time of the Chinese-Japanese war. Troubie is apt to arise in the orient at any time, and it is well to be fully prepared to protect the lives and property of citizens of the United States. Secretary Long says, how- ever, that the orders to the Raleigh have no relation whatever to the German policy in China. 2. PRESIDENT OF UNION PACIFIC, Ramor That C. 8. Melicn of the N. P. ‘Will Be Chosen. CHICAGO, December 18.—The Tribune says today: The opinion is ga!ning ground in railway and financial circles that neither